How to Tell if Short Hair Will Look Good on You

It's a question hairstylists and reliable friends are often asked, "do you think short hair will suit me?" and thanks to the legion of celebs recently liberating their locks with crops, bobs and lobs, we've never meant it more.

Well the question of flattery has a short answer: The 2.25" (5.5cm) rule.

The magic measurement was discovered by hairstyle trendsetter and product innovator, John Frieda and "it's all about the angles" says Senior Stylist at John Frieda Salons UK and International Training Director of Color Wow, Giles Robinson.

"John studied faces and saw that the angle of the jaw bone determined whether or not someone would look best with short hair or long hair". They say the result is a trusted, easy but exact, measurement that indicates whether a face (any face) is suited to short or long hair.

To try it, position a pencil or pen under your chin horizontally and then place a ruler under your ear, vertically. Take your measurement from the intersection of the pencil and ruler. Less than 2.25" and you'd look amazing with short hair, and if it's anything more long locks will be the most flattering choice for you.

It works well with Michelle Williams and Kim Kardashian (pictured), and when you think of other obvious examples such as Audrey Hepburn next to Sarah Jessica Parker it becomes crystal clear. Those faux bob hair-tuck selfies are a think of the past…

But y'know, there's also a strong case for sacking all this off and just getting the hairstyle you want anyway, right?

Bridget MarchBridget March is Bazaar's Digital Beauty Director overseeing all beauty content for harpersbazaar.co.uk, including fitness and wellbeing.

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